Cornelius Varley
, British, 1781-1873
Title
An Irish FarmhouseDatec.1808
MediumGraphite on paper
Dimensions
Sheet: 11.9 x 36.9 cm
Signedlower left (in graphite): C.V
Credit LinePresented, 2005
Object numberNGI.19624
DescriptionThis sparse pencil study dates to 1808 when Varley visited Ireland at the invitation of Lady Olivia Sparrow of Tanderagee Castle, County Armagh. The drawing was probably made ‘on the spot’ during Varley’s tour of the south of Ireland. Given the precise and almost mechanical accuracy of the lines, it is likely that Varley used one of his optical aids when creating this drawing. Varley’s Graphic Telescope, patented in 1811, was a development of the Camera Lucida. It allowed an artist to record the landscape accurately in terms of both perspective and foreshortening.ProvenancePresented, Mr Lowell Libon, 2005